From 11 June, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency will introduce enhanced monitoring at border checkpoints for every shipment of raw milk originating from EU member states and third countries.

The stricter controls will include laboratory testing for the total number of microorganisms, an indicator of the cleanliness of raw milk; the somatic cell count, which reflects the health status of dairy animals; as well as screening for the presence of preservatives and aflatoxin M1.

Enhanced monitoring will also apply to every shipment of milk concentrate imported from the EU and third countries. These consignments will undergo laboratory analyses for total microbial counts and mould contamination, including aflatoxin M1.

For milk powder and whey powder, inspections will additionally include tests for salmonella and staphylococcal toxins.

Every shipment of butter will be subject to laboratory analyses for salmonella and other hazardous bacteria. Until test results are available, vehicles carrying the consignments will be required to remain at the border.

The measure is intended to ensure the quality and safety of dairy products on the Bulgarian market.

The decision follows an assessment of the results from intensified inspections carried out in May. According to the agency, 24% of the tested samples showed non-compliance with established standards.

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